The National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance (NDWA) gives insights into the benefits of oral fluid drug testing as a solution to increasing problems found in workplace drug testing. The method has been scientifically validated, received endorsement from federal guidelines, and been given support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). One of the key advantages lies in its ability to detect recent drug use, making it increasingly valuable for post-accident testing and in jurisdictions requiring proof of impairment for employment-related actions.
The article highlights that oral fluid testing is especially effective in identifying the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This capability is important as more states legalize marijuana use, necessitating methods to detect recent consumption.
The implications of this development in drug testing are far-reaching for both employers and employees. For businesses, oral fluid testing offers a more immediate and clear understanding of substance use, providing timely decision-making and potentially enhancing workplace safety. It provides a tool to maintain drug-free environments while adapting to changing legal landscapes surrounding substance use. For employees, this method may offer a fairer assessment of current impairment rather than detecting past use that no longer affects job performance but might still be detectable in your system. However, it’s crucial to note that implementation may vary by state, and in some cases, such as New York, additional steps or licensing may be required. The pending approval for use in DOT-regulated testing further underscores the growing acceptance of this method, though full implementation awaits certification of testing laboratories.
